The Bureau of Land Management has closed trails and off-road areas in the Nome Creek Valley, starting from U.S. Creek Road at Steese Highway Mile 57, due to wildfire activity from the Ophir Fire in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.
According to the BLM, the Ophir Fire was first reported Thursday, burning in black spruce and tundra north of Nome Creek Valley.
Because of the extended hot and dry weather, which increases the risk of new fires, the BLM closed access to the area for public safety concerns. The emergency closure does not currently include Nome Creek Road or the valley's two campgrounds, though that could change.
“Closing the trails and off-road areas will allow firefighters to locate visitors if an evacuation becomes necessary,” the BLM stated.
The closures follow similar ones elsewhere in the White Mountains Recreation Area. On Wednesday, the BLM closed trails, public-use cabins, shelters, and the Wickersham Dome Trailhead at Elliott Highway Mile 28 due to the O’Brien Fire.
As of Thursday, the BLM Alaska Fire Service was continuing to monitor the Ophir Fire.
Several new wildfires have ignited across Interior Alaska since Thursday.
Gilmore Trail Fire remains active
The Gilmore Trail Fire, which started Thursday afternoon, was last reported at 15 acres. Fire activity near Gilmore Trail prompted evacuation notices.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued a Level 3 “GO” evacuation order for all properties on Monzulla Lane, Hopper Creek Drive, and properties north of those roads on Gilmore Trail. A Level 3 evacuation means residents must leave immediately.
A Level 2 “SET” evacuation remains in effect for the Gilmore, Esro, and Amanita Smallwood neighborhoods, while a Level 1 “READY” alert is in place for the end of Gilmore Trail Road, Goldmine, Winch, and Steele Creek areas.
Significant resources, including a retardant plane, helicopter, and smokejumpers, were committed Thursday night to protect life and structures in the area.
Bonanza Creek and other fires
The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is monitoring the Bonanza Creek Fire near Parks Highway Mile 332. The fire was last reported at 350 acres.
Its proximity to buildings prompted a Level 2 “SET” evacuation notice for properties between Parks Highway Miles 330 and 333, and a Level 1 “READY” alert for properties between Mile 333 and 342. The highway remains open, with no closures announced.
The 300-acre Marshall Mountain Fire also remains active, burning in black spruce. The borough has issued a Level 1 “READY” alert for River Mile 45–52 along the Salcha River.
Evacuation alerts also remain in effect for Elliott Highway Miles 10 to 15, including Haystack, Olnes, and Himalaya roads. As of Thursday night, the Himalaya Road Fire had grown to 20 acres and was reported to be smoldering and creeping. Ground crews and smokejumpers have begun laying hose lines.
The BLM is also monitoring the Ninetyeight Fire burning in a remote section of the Yukon Training Area north of the Salcha River. The fire was last reported about 1.5 miles north of a cabin near the mouth of Flat Creek.
According to the BLM, military personnel requested support to assess structure protection measures in the area.
“BLM AFS is working closely with the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection to begin structure protection efforts for cabins along the river corridor and ensure coordinated response efforts,” the BLM stated.
A firefighter is expected to travel the Salcha River by boat to give updates to cabin owners and gather “critical information to support structure protection planning for areas expected to be impacted first.”
The sharp increase in lightning-caused wildfires has stretched the resources of both the BLM and the Division of Forestry thin, the agency said.
“BLM AFS and the DOF are working together to prioritize response where firefighter and public safety are most at risk,” the BLM stated. “The two agencies are coordinating closely to share resources and ensure they are deployed where they are most needed.”
Both agencies are prioritizing protection of life and property.
“In more remote areas within BLM AFS’s protection zone, response may be delayed until additional resources, such as smokejumpers and crews, become available,” the BLM added. “State and federal fire managers anticipate new wildfires in the coming days.”
